"We've been able to hold the budget together, hold the line on taxes for 3 years, cut taxes slightly this year," he said. "We have reached out and actually have given more money in the areas of education...have seen over a billion dollars in investment in Bridgeport."

But Ganim's tenure has also been marked by high profile incidents of police misconduct that have caused tensions between residents and the Bridgeport Police Department.

Ganim said he's been outspoken about keeping the city's police force in check.

"I have great respect for our law enforcement," he said. "We have many great officers. But if you walk around as law enforcement, and have the ability to carry a gun, there's a higher level. I have called for, and will continue to demand accountability at all levels within our police department because that's what has to happen."

Ganim said he's proud that the state's last coal fired power plant in Bridgeport will soon be dismantled, making way for more attractive development along the city's waterfront. And he said, unlike his Democratic opponent in the primary, he is in favor of the state’s efforts to build a casino in Bridgeport.

"The city council serves the people," she said. "But many times right now the city council is taking their direction from the mayor. And when the pushback comes, it comes because there's some of them who are really fighting for the people, and they are not getting the support from the other members, because the other members are taking the lead from the mayor."

Moore also wants more transparency in city government. She said city officials should be hired based on their qualifications, not because of their political connections.

"Who do not have the experience or the expertise to do the job," she said. "And when you have so many people like that in city government, the government starts to fall apart."

Moore also wants to streamline the permit process for small businesses who want to set up shop in Bridgeport.